Is It Worth Losing Your CDL?
Video Transcribed: So what are major violations in regards to CDL holders? Hello, I’m Ty Smith, an Oklahoma City area attorney with Wirth Law.
CDL truck drivers and/or any holder of a CDL, as you may or may not know if you’re one of these individuals, your trade is federally regulated. And as such, certain offenses will merit not only punishment by the state but also from the Federales. Okay? A major violation is of the type that they’re so severe that the feds will mandate certain actions taken by the state. Okay? Your first instance of committing a major violation will result in a one-year suspension, unless that unless you are driving hazmat. In which case, it’s automatically three years.
Your second major violation will result in a lifetime ban for holding a CDL. It’s a big deal. Now, what are some of these examples of significant violations? So a lot of them have, some of these first ones have to do with blood/alcohol stuff. You refuse to submit to a breathalyzer or blood alcohol test, even if you’re not in your commercial motor vehicle, or your CMV, that’s a significant violation. If you get a DUI while you are holding your CDL, that’s a significant violation. You leave the scene of an accident, a major violation. If you’re operating and controlling a commercial motor vehicle under a suspended, canceled, denied, disqualified, or whatever, if your CDO is no longer good, that’s a significant violation if you drive on it or drive with that one.
If you commit a homicide through your negligence involving this commercial motor vehicle or even your own vehicle, that’s a major violation. Lastly, if you are convicted of a felony involving a controlled, dangerous substance while driving a vehicle, essentially if you’re pedaling drugs out of your truck or your personal vehicle, that’s going to be a major violation. This one actually will merit you a lifetime ban after your first go-round, your first conviction of it. So try to steer clear of these as best you can, pun definitely intended there. And if you want to speak to an attorney about a legal matter, possibly one involving this, I do both family law and criminal law. Would love to speak to you about any of those matters.
Once more, I’m Ty Smith, an OKC CDL lawyer. You can find me at theoklahomacityattorney.com. You could also call my office at 405-888-5400. I would be glad to speak with you.
